DROMORE HS
Dromore High School holds the record for the most wins in the competition's history. Over the past 20 years, under the guidance of two of the finest coaches in high schools' rugby, Charlie McAleese and Jacques Benade, the school has recorded a remarkable 18 victories.
Path to Semi Finals: Round 1: Bye; Round 2: win over Ballyclare Secondary School; ¼ final: win over Ballymoney HS.
Key Players: While the whole Dromore HS Under 16 team has shown great form this season, key players in the pack include Andrew Black, Luke Curlett, Andrew Patton and Tom Jess. Also to look out for are Lee Steenson (Ulster Youth), Alastair Lappin, Chris Davidson and Harry Warren.
OUR LADY AND ST. PATRICK'S COLLEGE, KNOCK
Our Lady and St. Patricks College have reached the semi finals of the Under 16 High Schools' Cup for the first time in the school's history. Rugby has always played second fiddle to GAA and Soccer at the school, making this particular achievement all the more remarkable. Under the coaching of Seamus Mallon, former Ulster player and current Community Rugby Officer at the Ulster Branch, the team has managed to see off some stiff opposition to this stage
Path to Semi Finals: Round 1: Bye; Round 2: win over Ashfield Boys' HS; ¼ Final: win over Carrick College.
Key Players: Our Lady and St. Patrick's have shown remarkable spirit in getting to this stage, but two individuals to watch out for are Daniel Eastwood and Brendan McKenna. Daniel is an all-round athlete who plays at full-back. He is an exciting runner with the ball, strong in defence and uses all of his skills from his background in Gaelic football to be particularly assured under the high ball. Brendan is a dynamic presence from the front row, and also aggressive and industrious from his position at hooker. This tenacity coupled with his excellent ball skills and good game awareness makes Brendan a handful for any opposition.
SHIMNA INTEGRATED COLLEGE
Shimnas introduction to rugby came five years ago, when their current Under 16 team was in first year. Each year the team has progressed to a higher level and not only have they made this years High Schools Trophy semi finals; they also reached the final of this year's Under 14 High Schools' Cup.
Path to Semi Finals: Round 1: win over Fort Hill College; Round 2: win over Fivemiletown HS; ¼ Final: win over HS Ballynahinch.
Key Players: Shimna's back line is their most potent threat, with the pace and strength of Eamonn McAnulty and Thomas Drummond and the sheer speed of Daniel O'Sullivan- a threat to any side. The pack is very ably led by Luc Bonnargent and it would be a great achievement for Shimna to reach this years final at Ravenhill.
SLEMISH INTEGRATED COLLEGE
Slemish College has been playing rugby since 2000 and as the school has developed so too has their success on the field. Under the guidance of team coach, Gareth Lynn, Slemish have enjoyed success in the competition, having reached the semi finals in 2005. They also won the Ulster Branch Under 14 High Schools' Cup for the first time in 2009. This year's team consists of 7 players from the Under 14 Medallion squad with the remainder made up of 5th Year pupils. This bodes well for future success in the school.
Path to Semi Finals: Round 1: win over Craigavon Senior HS; Round 2: win over Markethill HS; ¼ Finals: win over Cookstown HS.
Key Players: James Davidson (capt) leads by example with forceful running and the ability to add regularly to the score sheet. James has a very mature approach to his captaincy. David McWhirter (full-back), is secure under the high ball and regularly sets up counter attacks from his own 22, a potent threat, David scores regularly, both from the boot and over the try line.
